Print Article for : Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Your Online Guide » Common Illness » Sleep Apnea

[S349]Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

by Nelson, Nel

Severe obstructive sleep apnea is one of the many sleep disorders that several individuals worldwide suffer from. This medical condition results when there is an obstruction that interferes with breathing during the time in which a person attempts to rest. As a result of the apnea, the individual may experiences breathing that is considered to be shallow. In more serious cases of the condition, the same person may quit breathing completely. The area that experiences the obstruction is the airway located towards the upper part of the body. The blockage may be considered partial, or it may be considered complete. In this guide, you will be introduced to this form of sleep apnea.

The Symptoms of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are many symptoms associated with this type of sleep apnea. Though this is actually considered to be the most common when it comes to apnea based sleep disorders, it can cause many complications both physiologically and psychologically. In the following detailed list, you will learn about symptoms that may be noticed prior and immediately after a diagnosis:

* Many who experience this condition will wake up with a sense of dryness in the mouth area. This may or may not be accompanied by a tender, sore throat.

* Due to the fact that the natural flow of oxygen is interrupted, many may notice that they wake up with a mild to severe headache.

* The breathing complications associated with severe obstructive sleep apnea may result in the person experiencing lack of sleep which leaves them feeling drained and tired upon waking and throughout the day.

* Many may find that they wake up throughout the night feeling as if they are choking or gasping for air.

* Dysfunctions in the area of sexual intimacy may be a direct result from being affected with this sleep disorder.

* Snoring observed by others may be an indication that there is an issue with breathing appropriately as a direct result of sleep apnea.

* Many may find that they get hot easily during the time in which they are resting and may even experience mild to severe night sweats.

If you or someone that you know experiences any or all of the symptoms listed here, it is absolutely essential that medical consultation is arranged.

Developmental Risks

While no one is immune to developing severe obstructive sleep apnea, there are certain risk factors that may result in the onset of this particular condition. There are over twelve million documented cases of this condition in the United States alone, which means medical professionals and those that specialize in learning information about sleep disorders have been able to profile those that have the condition, learning a lot about the developmental risks associated with it. While men, women, and children have all been diagnosed, there are certain risks that make certain individuals more susceptible to suffering from this condition. They include:

* Women who have experienced menopause seem more likely to acquire this condition.

* Those who have a condition that results in obstructions in and/or near the airway in the upper section of the body.

* If an individual has swollen tonsils, they may develop this condition.

* Acquiring age has been found to be a potential culprit in the onset of the condition.

* If a person is over their ideal weight, they may develop severe obstructive sleep apnea.

* Patients with high blood pressure are at risk for this and other types of sleep disorders.

* Smoking may cause obstructions that lead to the onset of the medical problem.

Conclusion

Severe obstructive sleep apnea is just one of many sleep disorders that millions of people worldwide suffer from. It is a direct result of a type of obstruction in the upper section of the airways. There are a large number of symptoms that may indicate that one suffers from this condition, such as snoring and waking up in such a way that it feels as if the patient is choking or gasping for air. There are many risk factors which involve smoking and aging. If you or someone that you know feels as if sleep apnea caused by a severe obstruction may be a complication, it is important to consult with a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis.

Some 30 million Americans are victims of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea sickness or in other terms obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. Numerous others are predisposed and have a high risk of developing the sickness. Adult males, have the highest odds at about 50/50 that their breathing is not normal when they are sleeping. It is very important that anyone who might be experiencing this problem is predisposed, or knows someone they care about who has this sickness, should have a clear and concise understanding about it.

What you can do about sleep apnea:
The following steps help many people with sleep apnea sleep better:

Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines as they relax the muscles in the back of the throat, making it harder for you to breathe.
Sleep on your side or hip instead of your back. ? Find a high quality side sleeper pillow for maximum comfort
If you are overweight, lose weight.
If you still have problems, speak to your doctor. There are special masks that you can wear over your nose and mouth while you are sleeping. This mask is called a ?continuous positive airway pressure," or CPAP. It will keep your airway open by adding pressure to the air you breathe. The mask helps most people with sleep apnea. Surgery may be necessary, in a very few cases, to remove extra tissue or tonsils from the throat.

Additional information on Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men (and it may be under diagnosed in women). It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along with excessive daytime sleepiness. People most likely to have or develop sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway. Sleep apnea sickness seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
Fatigue and tiredness during the day is one symptom of sleep apnea. Another symptom is loud snoring; if the loud snoring is repeatedly punctuated by brief periods of silence or choking sounds, the individual is certain to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Ways that sleep apnea affects your Life:
Actually, sleep apnea sickness may already have affected you more than you know. Chances are things will improve for you once the diagnosis is made. If your sleep problem can be solved by not using alcohol or sleep medicine, losing weight if you're overweight and sleeping on your side, you will quickly begin to feel much more rested and energetic. If you must wear the mask while sleeping, you should soon feel the benefits. If you need surgery, you'll be able to sleep better afterwards. Whatever your treatment, remember that you are not alone and help is available.

Related sleep apnea symptoms can include:
?Loud snoring
?Change in personality
?Depression
?Rapid weight gain
?Reduced sex drive and impotence
?High blood pressure
?Restless sleep; the repeated struggle to breath can be associated with a great deal of movement.
?Depressed mood and/or irritability
?Snorting, gasping, choking during sleep
?Insomnia
?Frequent nocturnal urination
?Confusion upon awakening
?Difficulty concentrating
?Morning headaches
?Sleep that is not refreshing
?Nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
?High blood pressure
?Overweight
?Irritability
?A dry mouth upon awakening
?Excessive perspiring during sleep
?Restless sleep
?Heartburn

Sleep Apnea can be a very serious matter:
It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

For many sleep apnea patients, their bed partners or family members are the first ones to suspect that something is wrong, usually from their heavy snoring and apparent struggle to breathe. Coworkers or friends of the sleep apnea victim may notice that the individual falls asleep during the day at inappropriate times (such as while driving a car, working, or talking).

During the apneic event, the person is unable to breathe in oxygen and to exhale carbon dioxide, resulting in low levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The reduction in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide alert the brain to resume breathing and cause an arousal. With each arousal, a signal is sent from the brain to the upper airway muscles to open the airway; breathing is resumed, often with a loud snort or gasp. Frequent arousals, although necessary for breathing to restart, prevent the patient from getting enough restorative, deep sleep.

For many cases of sleep apnea sickness, treatment often consists of avoiding sleeping on one's back, even if you're wearing a mask. To help aid in a comfortable sleep choose a pillow that allows you to sleep on your side, one that elevates your head and neck allowing your airway passage to open properly while sleeping. Using a sleep apnea pillow is an unconventional, however beneficial and inexpensive sleep apnea treatment.

Article Source : Sleep Apnea Effects

About Author

Both Nelson & Raz are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Nelson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sports Car, Auto Insurance and Debt Reductions. Nelson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. Learn more about , and other. Nelson's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Raz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Search Engine Marketing, Your Online Business and Sleep Apnea. D. Marie Pollack is a freelancer journalist, copywriter and editor, schooled in natural health and herbal healing. She has written numerous articles and specializes in content for various web sites. Discover an innovative. Raz's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.